Student play examines identity in storytelling through existentialism

By Lauren Runkle, Staff Writer Susquehanna presented the student-written play “Caius and Quid” on March 22 and 23. The play was written by junior Steven McKnight and directed by...

By Lauren Runkle, Staff Writer

Susquehanna presented the student-written play “Caius and Quid” on March 22 and 23.

The play was written by junior Steven McKnight and directed by senior Amber Legge.

“Caius and Quid” is an existentialist work about two characters who realize they are stuck in a story and wonder what that means for their identities.

“‘Caius and Quid’ is a contemporary play which addresses the way history and storytelling is structured,” said sophomore Precious Emmanuel. “It utilizes humor to discuss the main themes in ‘making history,’ ‘leaving a legacy’ and puts a light on the individuals frequently left out of storytelling.”

“Caius and Quid is an investigation in the way we talk about history,” said junior Nolan Nightingale. “The heroes are airheads, the villains are childish and the minor historical figures become the only true humans left.”

“‘Caius and Quid’ is first and foremost a play about stories,” emphasized senior Bella Lucero. “Who the storytellers of history chose to talk about and who they leave behind.”

“Caius and Quid are society’s forgotten,” Lucero continued. “They’re constantly talked over and are given no opportunity to make their mark or self-determinate.”

“When they’re thrown into a deliberately over-the-top tale of gallant revolutionaries and evil tyrants, the expectation is that they’ll either get out of the way or fade into the background as a part of someone else’s story,” Lucero said. “But they refuse to, which really strikes at the heart of the conflict in the play and is one reason why I think this is an important work for recognizing that everyone’s story is important, regardless of what those in power want us to think.”

Lucero also noted the positive atmosphere behind the scenes.

“It was an incredibly fun and collaborative environment,” Lucero said. “We know each other’s strengths and how we work because almost all of us have worked together before.”

“[Legge] really provided us the opportunity to make these characters our own and fostered an environment where new things were always being tried,” Lucero continued. “I really couldn’t have asked for a more supportive rehearsal process.”

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with such talented and fun people to bring the play to life,” Emmanuel emphasized. “The production was heavy on student involvement from the writing of the script to the directing. I enjoyed observing and participating in the process of putting the show together.”

“I got to work with a lot of people I’ve had great fun collaborating with in the past, some wonderful talents I’d never worked with before and a director who’s been a friend of mine since my first role at [Susquehanna],” Nightingale said.”

The performers also emphasized the impact of the play both on themselves and on the audience.

“The audience was laughing almost non-stop,” Nightingale said. “And they should have been. Steven’s a hilarious playwright. It was great to work with his words and out as much life in them as I could.”

“I think the collaborative fun we had in putting this show together was really evident,” Lucero said. “Each performer had moments where they were able to share something with the audience, which in the end, is all performers can ask for.”

“It emphasized the need to tell people’s stor[ies] and the power of art, not simply an escape from reality but a medium of reflection on our present life, future and a method of learning about the past,” Emmanuel said. “This is not a production I will soon forget.”

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